FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention pertains generally to the field of yeast extract-based animal feed. More particularly, the invention pertains to animal feed formulations containing yeast extract that will boost animal immunity, reduce the need for antibiotics and increase feed conversion efficiency. This invention also relates to systems for manufacturing and distributing animal feed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Industrial livestock farming requires efficient conversion of feed into animal feed to maximize profit and minimize cost. To achieve this goal, livestock producers uses additives to ensure economic conversion of input (i.e. livestock feed) into output (i.e. meat). Various classes of molecules, compounds, or organisms that promote ingestion, absorption, assimilation of nutrients, growth and health are commonly used.

[0003] However, not all additives are healthy or safe for human. For example, the antibiotic carbadox is one of many used in farming animals. This antibiotic is used to fatten animals but several studies have shown the antibiotic to cause cancer in rats. Another example of a commonly used feed additive is ractopamine which belong to a class of additives known as P-agonists. These compounds are known to increase both lean growth rate and carcass lean percentage, and improve feed efficiency of finishing pigs. Countries worldwide are moving towards banning non- medicinal uses of antibiotic additives in animal farming. Compounds such as ractopamine has also generated significant public controversy. Regulations have already been passed to restrict the use of these additives. Most notably China, the largest pork consuming country, had banned the use of ractopamine and antibiotics. Consumers are also becoming more demanding about what goes into the animal that ultimately ended up as food on their dinner table.

[0004] Food safety is also a rising concern, particularly in light of the impact that

COVID-19 has on the food supply chain. During the pandemic, many food production facilities are shutdown because workers are infected with the SARS- CoV-2 virus. This is both costly to the manufacturers but also disrupts the entire food supply chain.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for more natural supplement that can boost animal immunity and maintain feed conversion efficiency. There is also an urgent need for an improved manufacturing and distribution system that can withstand the attack of

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As noted above, there is a need for improved nutritional content in animal feed that can enhance animal’s immunity and increase the efficiency of feed conversion into meat. In addition, there is also a need for a method to entice animal farmers to adopt non-antibiotics feeds as well as to improve the safety and security of the manufacturing environment.

[0007] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method for improving the nucleotide yield from extracts of yeast cream. Methods in accordance with this aspect of the invention generally include the steps of adjusting a concentration of a starting yeast cream; heating the yeast cream to separate nucleic acid content from protein to form a reaction mixture; and hydrolyzing the reaction mixture with a nuclease.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention also provides compositions comprising nutritional extracts of yeast. Compositions in accordance with this aspect of the invention will generally include about 22% protein, 14% fiber, and 8% crude ash.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for mitigating the risk of pathogenic contamination in the manufacturing environment by utilizing a molecular scavenging agent to neutralize viral pathogens in the air. Methods in accordance with this aspect of the invention generally include the steps of dispersing a molecular scavenging agent having a binding site specific for a targeted pathogen into the air of the manufacturing facility so as to neutralize airborne pathogens.

[0010] Molecular scavenging agents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be a nanoparticle such as gold, silver, a polymeric particle or any other suitable nanoparticle known in the art so long as it is capable of embedding thereon molecular binding sites complementary to one or more binding sites of a target pathogen. In a preferred embodiment, the nanoparticle is an engineered viruslike particle (VLP) having a binding site complementary to one or more binding sites of a target pathogen.

[0011] Exemplary target pathogens may include viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In one exemplary embodiment, the target pathogen is SARS-CoV-2 virus or a variant thereof.

[0012] The scavenging agents may be provided externally or intrinsically of the fermentation process. Externally provided VLP are preferably produced in a bacterial expression system. Intrinsically provided VLP may be produced by genetically modified yeast to express the VLP which may then be dispersed in situ to provide additional protection for the feed and line workers.

[0013] In still another aspect, the present invention further provides a delivery vehicle for dispersing and suspending the scavenging agents described above in the air utilizing ultrasonic means to atomize and disperse the scavenging nanoparticles into air. In some preferred embodiments, the ultrasonic means is an ultrasonic mesh nebulizing device capable of atomizing the scavenging agents into fine nanoparticles having sizes under 7 pm, more preferably under 4 pm. More preferably, When VLP scavenging agent is atomized to 3 pm or less, the dispersed particles are essentially suspended indefinitely in the air. This is not desirable as the scavenging agent may decay and lose effectiveness. Thus, it is preferred that the scavenging agent has an expiration time in the air and naturally settle out of the air after a period. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the particle size is between 3 - 4 pm to maximize the air suspension time while not becoming indefinitely suspended in the air.

[0014] In yet another aspect, there is provided a method of distributing feed additives based on yeast extracts. System for distributing animal feed containing yeast extract additive may include a computer-implemented platform for conducting trades and exchanges, a device configured to provide data feed to the computer-implemented system, wherein the computer-implemented system implements a distributed ledger system. [0015] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary manufacturing process for yeast.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of the process by which an exemplary scavenging agent suspended in the air may render an airborne pathogen inactive.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a plot of particle size versus the time it takes for the particle to settle over 1 meter distance.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows an experimental observation that an exemplary VLP scavenging agent dispersed at about 7 pm in size surprisingly remain suspended in air for over one hour.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a field worker pointing a mobile device with augmented reality rendering incorporating sensor data, operating rating instructions and user interface elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

Animal feed formulations containing yeast extract additives [0022] Nucleotide is the basic unit of genetic material in organisms, the precursor of DNA and RNA, and the basic unit of intermediates necessary for protein synthesis. As an essential substance for cell synthesis, nucleotides have physiological functions such as protecting the intestinal mucosa and enhancing the body's immunity.

[0023] Under normal circumstances, adult animals can meet their own needs through endogenous nucleotides without any special supplements. However, when animals are under immune stress, liver damage, starvation and rapid growth, endogenous nucleotides often cannot meet the needs of various tissues and cells with vigorous metabolism. Under such condition, supplementation of exogenous nucleotides is particularly important. Accordingly, nucleotides are also called "conditional essential nutrients".

[0024] Nucleotides and nucleosides in animal feed can speed up animal growth and improve animal production performance, increase the nucleic acid and protein content of the intestinal mucosa and the nucleic acid content of the liver, and can promote the growth of intestinal villi, increase the thickness of the intestinal wall, and strengthen The phagocytosis of macrophages and strengthening the vitality of natural killer cells. In a large-scale and intensive breeding environment, or when the animal is in a "sub-healthy condition", supplementation of exogenous nucleotides in animal feed can improve the adaptability and resistance of animals to stressful conditions, which is important for maintaining healthy animal production. Nucleotide is also an important food attractant in aquatic animals, which mainly stimulates the taste of aquatic animals and has a strong umami taste.

[0025] Young animals such as broilers, ducks, and weaned pigs in their fast-growing period should ensure that the feed contains enough nucleotides. Yeast is rich in nucleic acid and makes a great source for nucleotide supplements. The nucleotides produced by yeast RNA enzymatic hydrolysis can obtain four nucleotides at one time, and no toxic and harmful substances are added during the production process. It has the characteristics of comprehensive nucleic acid species and high product safety. It is most suitable for use as a feed additive. It has obvious growth, immune enhancement, and intestinal health maintenance effects on pigs, chickens, and aquaculture. It is used in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. [0026] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method extracting nucleotides from yeast with high yield. Method in accordance to this aspect of the invention will generally include the steps of adjusting yeast cream concentration in a starting yeast cream; performing proteolysis on the mixture; treating with heat; cooling; and adding nuclease while maintaining constant temperature for enzymatic hydrolysis.

[0027] In a first preferred embodiment, yeast cream concentration was adjusted to 13% and then heated to 52°C and kept at this temperature for 4 hours before bringing the temperature up to 58°C and added 2.3% ethyl acetate plus 0.25% papain. During enzymatic reaction, the mixture is thoroughly stirred for 10 minute followed by 20 minute break. When amino acid nitrogen level reaches 2.5%, temperature is raised to 90°C and kept there for 1 hour before cooling down to 69°C. The pH level is adjusted to 5.6 by adding citric acid, 0.1% nuclease is then added to perform proteolysis. Once the proteolysis is complete, temperature is brought back up to 95°C to quench the enzyme for 15 minute. The resulting mixture is dry- sprayed after concentration.

[0028] In a second embodiment, yeast cream is adjusted to 13%, temperature raised to 52°C and kept there for 4 hours and then raised to 58°C and added 0.25% ethyl acetate for hydrolysis. During hydrolysis, the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes followed by 20 minute break until the amino acid nitrogen level reaches 2.5%. Then, temperature is raised to 90°C and kept for 1 hour before cooling down to 69°C and added 0.1% citric acid to adjust the pH level to 5.6 and added 0.1% of nuclease. When the nuclease reaction is completed, temperature is raised to 95°C for 15 minutes to quench the enzyme. The resulting mixture is dry-sprayed after concentration.

[0029] In a third preferred embodiment, yeast cream is adjusted to 13%, temperature raised to 95°C and kept there for 8 hours and then dropped to 58°C and added 0.25% ethyl acetate for hydrolysis. During hydrolysis, the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes followed by 20 minute break until the amino acid nitrogen level reaches 2.0%. Then, temperature is raised to 95°C and kept for 1 hour before cooling down to 69°C and added 0.1% citric acid to adjust the pH level to 5.4 and added 0.1% of nuclease. After 3 hours, added another 0.05% of nuclease. When the nuclease reaction is completed, temperature is raised to 95°C for 15 minutes to quench the enzyme. The resulting mixture is dry-sprayed after concentration.

[0030] In a forth preferred embodiment, yeast cream is adjusted to 13%, temperature raised to 58°C and added 0.20% of ethyl acetate and 0.10% of YC enzyme. During hydrolysis, the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes followed by 20 minute break until the amino acid nitrogen level reaches 3.3%. Then, temperature is raised to 95°C and kept for 8 hour before cooling down to 68°C and added 0.5% citric acid to adjust the pH level to 5.5 - 5.8 and added 0.1% of nuclease. After 3 hours, added another 0.05% of nuclease. When the nuclease reaction is completed, temperature is raised to 95°C for 15 minutes to quench the enzyme. The resulting mixture is dry-sprayed after concentration.

[0031] In a fifth preferred embodiment, yeast cream is adjusted to 13%, temperature raised to 58°C and added 0.10% of ethyl acetate and 0.20% of YC enzyme. During hydrolysis, the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes followed by 20 minute break until the amino acid nitrogen level reaches 3.6%. Then, temperature is raised to 68°C and added 0.5% citric acid to adjust the pH level to 5.5 and added 0.1% of nuclease. When the nuclease reaction is completed, temperature is raised to 95°C for 15 minutes to quench the enzyme. The resulting mixture is dry-sprayed after concentration.

[0032] In a sixth preferred embodiment, yeast cream is adjusted to 13%, rapidly raise temperature to 57°C and added 0.10% of ethyl acetate and 0.20% of YC enzyme. During hydrolysis, the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes followed by 20 minute break until the amino acid nitrogen level reaches 3.6%. Then, raised temperature to 85°C using a plate heat exchanger and quickly cool temperature down to 66°C and added 0.5% citric acid to adjust the pH level to 5.6 and added 0.1% of nuclease. When the nuclease reaction is completed, temperature is raised to 95°C for 15 minutes to quench the enzyme. The resulting mixture is dry-sprayed after concentration. [0033] Table 1 below shows analysis data for each of the embodiment above.

TABLE 1

[0034] As shown above, embodiment 5 showed highest nucleotide yield. This embodiment benefited from method of the present invention in which heat treatment of the reaction mixture in combination with nuclease resulted in increased nucleotide content in the yeast extract. Heating the reaction mixture also encouraged separation of nutritional content such as nucleotide from protein, making it easier for hydrolysis reactions to decompose the nucleic acids in yeast into nucleotides.

Systems for monitoring and operating yeast production facilities

[0035] The manufacturing process can be likened to farming. It involves it involves the stages of preparation, seeding, cultivation and harvesting. FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating the overall process of yeast manufacturing. In commercial production of yeast, molasses is used to provide sugar as food source for yeast. Molasses is a by-product of the refining of sugar beets and sugar cane. Either cane molasses or beet molasses can be used, however, some yeast manufacturers prefer a mixture of the two varieties.

[0036] In all the yeast processes, utmost care is taken to produce a product of the highest possible quality and purity. Samples are routinely checked by the laboratory and frequent cleaning and sterilization of the equipment are conducted to assure the proper standards are met. [0037] During the initial preparation stage, before molasses is fed to the yeast cells, the molasses must be clarified and sterilized to prevent bacterial and other organisms from being introduced into the manufacturing process. The sterilized molasses is diluted with water , adjusted for acidity, heated until almost boiling and filtered through appropriate filtering devices such as heavy cloths.

[0038] The seed yeast is a carefully maintained laboratory culture so as to avoid contamination by “wild” yeast present in the air. Yeast seeds are selected with care according to the type of yeast to be produced and the specific characteristics desired. All cultures are laboratory pure; all transfers are made with absolute sterility; all vessels are completely sterilized.

[0039] The “seed yeast” is typically placed in small flasks where it is allowed to grow. It is then transferred in a series of steps from these small flasks to tanks of about 1,000 gallons in volume. Now known as “stock yeast”, it is separated from the alcohol generated by the fermentation and stored in refrigerated tanks for the subsequent fermentation cultivation.

[0040] The cultivation or advancement of the fermentation process is accomplished in large fermentation vessels (e.g. 40,000-gallon vessels). It is impractical at this point to sterilize such large vessels but careful cleaning with steam assures cleanliness and quality.

[0041] The “stock yeast” is fed measured quantities of molasses and large quantities of air. The temperature is carefully controlled and acidity (pH) frequently adjusted through the addition of ammonium salts. This process is continued until the yeast achieves the capacity of these 40,000-gallon fermenting tanks. The yeast is then harvested.

[0042] The harvesting of yeast is nothing more than concentrating the yeast cells by passing the fermented liquid through large centrifugal pumps called “separators”. This process is similar to spinning clothes dry in a washing machine. The result is an off-white liquid called “cream yeast”. Further processing/drying is dependent on the type of yeast desired - cake yeast, active dry yeast or instant yeast.

[0043] The by-products of the fermentation process are carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). A yeast population is affected by a number of factors, the control of which is essential for optimal activity. These factors include pH, temperature, nutrient availability, and the concentration of available nutrients. Industrial yeast manufacturing facilities are expensive to build but can last a long time. Most facilities around the world have been in operation for decades if not longer. To be economical, new facilities must be located close to sugar sources. This places significant challenges in terms of recruiting qualified personnel and computing with older facilities on cost. Building a fully automated facility may require costly upfront capital investment, which will cut into the operating profit margin, making newer facilities at a financial disadvantage to compete with existing facilities. Another added complication is that the recent COVID-19 outbreak has also created a new challenge in terms of recruiting, training, operating, and managing facilities. For example, management who needs to travel internationally may be subjected to quarantine. During quarantine, it will be difficult for facility managers to oversee the daily operations of the facility without remote assistance.

[0044] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a low-cost system for converting a traditional non-automated yeast manufacturing facility into a digitally managed and operated facility. Systems in accordance to the present invention may include small sensors that can be tagged at various locations of the facility to gather measurements, wirelessly transmit the measurement data back to a compute node, the data is then processed and displayed in a visualization format forming a dashboard.

[0045] Exemplary sensors may include temperature sensors, timers, pressure sensors, pH sensors, and chemical sensors. These sensors are preferably configured in a system-on-chip format and are disposable. They may be easily fixed to a location of measurement via magnetic tags or adhesives. Ideally, they should also be easily integrated with wifi, or capable of forming own ad hoc mesh network. Sensors should also have geolocator, or, have individual id to map to a representation of the facility. Camera may also be optionally included in the sensor array to provide realtime streaming or take snapshots at predetermined time points or intervals.

[0046] When such system is deployed, it is not necessary to use highly trained personnel. Anyone with basic high school level education who can read and write will be easily trainable to work at the facility. A built-in software wizard will be able to walk the personnel through his job step-by-step. A field employee only needs to carry with him a mobile device such as a laptop, a tablet, a cellphone, or a pair of see-through AR glasses. The facility operating system will interface with the employee and direct the employee to take appropriate actions.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary illustration of a mobile device with an augmented reality rendering of a facility machinery, sensor data, and instructions to the field worker.

[0048] In such a human-machine hybrid system, the software management system act as the operating system of the facility, the sensors act as the eyes and ears of the facility, whereas the human employees act as the “muscle” that carries out the instruction of the operating system. The software system can be implemented as a deterministic rule-based expert system or as a machine-learning system that evolves overtime based on input of the data feed to optimize operation of the facility.

[0049] Such a system can be used to retrofit existing old facilities at significantly lower cost, yet, still provide the benefits of a fully automated, industrial 4.0 style facility. In post-COVID-19 environment, such systems may also reduce the headcount of human operators in the field, thereby, reducing the chance of spreading the infection, minimizing the impact of downtime due to sick employees. Managers may also direct and manage the facility from remote locations without worrying about interruption and downtime due to quarantine.

Pathogen scavenging agents

[0050] COVID-19 has affected nearly every aspect of our lives. Within the food production industry, one challenge is to sterilize the manufacturing environment economically. Many existing facilities may not be able to be retrofitted for automation in a short time and may still require human operators on-site. While airfiltration systems may be installed, such measures typically require heavy investment to reconfigure the facilities. Chemical disinfectants such as alcohol or hypochlorous acid are commonly used in prior art to sterilize the manufacturing facility. However, these prior art methods may cause serious allergic reactions and respiratory mucosal irritations for workers at the facility who came in contact with the chemical. [0051] Pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 enter their hosts via specific molecular- interaction which allows the viruses to be transfected. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) of the virus is responsible for binding to cells’ angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain entry into cells. Thus, by blocking the RBD, viruses may be inactivated.

[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates how a scavenging agent suspended in the air may come into contact with an airborne pathogen, bind to it, and rendering the pathogen inactive.

[0053] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention provides scavenging agents encoded with molecular elements that can bind to and block the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the scavenging agent is constructed by fusing a VLP to an IgG Fc-domain (pathogen capturing element). This construct may be done by forming a genetically engineered chimeric to be expressed in an expression system such as E. coli. The self-assembled VLPs in E. coli could be easily purified and do not affect the morphology of the VLPs (they remain intact as an icosahedral structure with about 30nm in diameter). Exemplary VLP-SARS-Cov-2-Spike-RBD conjugate of the present invention will inhibit over 20 - 30% of RBD binding affinity in solution, and may be effective when suspended in air. It has been surprisingly found that when suspended in air, the anti-RBD VLPs have up to 50% effectiveness in inhibiting the binding of RBD to ACE2.

Production of VLP

[0055] Exemplary VLP fusion disclosed herein is constructed from a portion of wildtype Q beta phase coat protein (SEQ ID No. 1) fused with an IgG Fc-domain binding peptide (SEQ ID No. 2). The amino acid sequences of these two components are as follows:

SEQ ID No. 1

MAKLETVTLG NIGKDGKQTL VLNPRGVNPT NGVASLSQAG

AVPALEKRVT VSVSQPSRNR KNYKVQVKIQ NPTACTANGS

CDPSVTRQAY ADVTFSFTQY STDEERAFVR TELAALLASP

LLIDAIDQLN PAY SEQ ID No. 2

DCAWHLGELV WCT

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, these two sequences are fused via a linker sequence where SEQ ID No. 2 is linked to SEQ ID No. 1 on the C-terminal end. One exemplary linker sequence may be GSG so that the resulting fusion protein sequence is “SEQ ID No. 1” — GSG — ”SEQ ID No. 2”. The full sequence is shown below (SEQ ID No. 3):

SEQ ID No. 3

MAKLETVTLG NIGKDGKQTL VLNPRGVNPT NGVASLSQAG

AVPALEKRVT VSVSQPSRNR KNYKVQVKIQ NPTACTANGS

CDPSVTRQAY ADVTFSFTQY STDEERAFVR TELAALLASP

LLIDAIDQLN PAYGSGDCAW HLGELVWCT

[0057] For VLP production and purification, the fusion protein may be produced in a number of expression systems, including at least E. coh. mammalian cell lines, insect cell lines, and yeast cell lines, but not limited thereto.

[0058] E. coll BL21 (DE3) cells harboring the appropriate plasmids were grown in either LB broth or NZY solution supplemented with antibiotic (streptomycin) at 50 pg/mL, respectively. Starter culture was grown for 18 h at 37°C and used to inoculate 1 L of expression culture. One millimolar IPTG was performed as a protein expression reagent at an OD600 of 0.8-1.0 in culture solution (LB broth, BD, LOT: 244620, France) overnight at 37°C. The overnight culture was harvested by centrifugation at 6,500 g, resuspended in 20 mL of PBS buffer (pH = 7.4), and then lysed by sonication. The lysate was centrifuged for 30 min at 23,000 g, followed by precipitation with ammonium sulfate to obtain crude VLP samples. The crude VLP samples were resuspended in PBS buffer followed by 20% w:v PEG8000-NaCl precipitation to obtain pure VLPs. These VLPs were resuspended in 1 mL of PBS buffer and extracted with 1 : 1 n-butanol : chloroform. The VLP samples, from the aqueous layer, were purified by step sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and then precipitated with 20% w:v PEG8000-NaCl solution and resuspended in 25 mL of PBS buffer, followed by exhaustive dialysis (SnakeSkin® Dialysis Tubing, 10,000 MWCO. Thermo, LOT: QD213952, USA) against PBS buffer (pH = 7.4) for 48 h. The obtained pure VLP samples were concentrated by protein concentrate filter tubes (Amicon Ultra- 15 Centrifugal Filter Units; 100,000 MWCO; Merck Millipore, LOT: R6EA45140, Ireland). The final concentration of VLPs was assessed using a Pierce BCA Protein Assay kit (Thermo, LOT: PD202250, USA).

[0059] For in situ production of VLP, yeast cell lines genetically engineered to express a fusion protein containing SEQ No. 1 and SEQ No. 2 may be utilized. More than 30 yeast expression systems for expressing VLPs are known in the art. Kim et al describes methods for expressing VLPs in yeast cell lines (Kim HJ, Kim HJ. Yeast as an expression system for producing virus-like particles: what factors do we need to consider? Lett Appl Microbiol. 2017 Feb;64(2): 111-123, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.)

[0060] Those skilled in the art may choose a suitable system to express the VLP along side of the other yeast strain for the food additive. The VLPs are then secreted into the reaction mixture during fermentation and, thereby, provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 viruses in situ. The VLPs may also be separated from the reaction mixture as an end product for commercial exploitation.

Deployment of scavenger agents

[0061] To neutralize airborne pathogens, scavenger agents as described above are preferably deployed into air via an atomizer. In an exemplary embodiment, a manufacturing facility’s air circulation system may be connected to a scavenger agent delivery system having a reservoir for storing a supply of a VLP solution and an atomizer to atomize the VLP solution and disperse the resulting atomized mist into the air.

[0062] In the case of VLP solutions, the atomizer is preferably an ultrasonic mesh nebulizer. The ultrasonic nebulizer may be constructed with a ultrasound generator such as a piezoelectric driver that vibrates in the ultrasound frequency range, and a mesh to ensure that the VLP solution is ejected from the reservoir with relative uniformity.

[0063] FIG. 3 shows the relationship between particle size and the time it takes to settle over 1 meter distance, assuming conventional spherical particles. It was surprisingly discovered that when dispersed with an ultrasonic nebulizer, the VLP scavenging agent can be relatively stable and remain in the air for an extended period to form a protective mist within the working environment. When atomized particle sizes are about 7 pm, the VLP scavenging agent may be suspended in the air for up to 1 hour (FIG. 4). When the particle sizes are further reduced to 4 pm or less, the air suspension time may be increased to 3 - 5 hours.

[0064] When particle sizes of the VLP scavenging agent are reduced below 3 pm, the particles are essentially suspended in the air indefinitely. This is not desirable given that the scavenging agent may have a decaying effectiveness. Thus, in some embodiments, it is preferred that the scavenging agent has an expiration time to be naturally settled out of air. In such embodiments, the preferred particle sizes of the scavenging agent when dispersed into air is between 3 - 4 pm.

[0065] In one preferred embodiment, the scavenging agents may be dispersed into the manufacturing environment via existing air ducts. In another preferred embodiment, portable nebulizers may be installed throughout the facility without altering any existing infrastructure.

[0066] Scavenging agent may be dispersed on a continuous basis or periodically to ensure that air concentration of the scavenging element is maintained at a desired level.

Computer-assisted yeast strain development

[0067] Currently, there are at least 1,500 different recognized yeast species. Yeast cell lines are critically important to the output quality of the yeast products, thus, development and selection of new yeast strains is of great importance.

[0068] A facility equipped with the monitoring system of the present invention will also have the opportunity to collect data on the seed yeast and perform big data analysis to optimize the conditions for each yeast strain. In addition, the big data may also provide a basis for determining a cross-breeding strategy to develop new strains of yeast with desirable performance and characteristics specific to a particular facility. These are “customized” solutions enabled by the monitoring system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Feed additive distribution system

[0069] Currently, over 80% of pigs raised in the U.S. uses ractopamine to accelerate growth and increase lean meat ratio. Sub-therapeutic dosages of antibiotics are also commonly used to fatten animals. However, the biggest opportunity for U.S. pig farmers today is the pork shortage in China due to the African swine flu. China has very strict laws barring the use of ractopamine in pigs. Starting 2020, the use of antibiotics in pigs is also banned. To capture the Chinese market, pig farming practices will have to change. Yet, convincing American farmers to change their current farming practices is going to be difficult as it poses significant financial risks.

[0070] These factors created an unprecedented opportunity for feed additive providers who can provide natural, non-toxic, yeast based nutritional supplements that not only can boost the immunity of animals but also improve the lean meat conversion efficiency. The challenge for a feed additive manufacturer to break into the market is two-fold: adoption and reach. To this end, the present invention provides a computer-implemented business system that can overcome the adoption barrier of U.S. farmers while at the same time maximize the reach.

[0071] Systems in accordance with this aspect of the invention will generally include a distributed ledger formed by a blockchain network, a plurality of individual feed operators forming the individual nodes of the blockchain network, and an ecommerce platform connecting farmers to purchasers.

[0072] Optionally, the system may also include an online exchange for feed producers, animal farmers, waste processors, and other parties to exchange carbon credits. It is known that agriculture is one of the biggest carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas producer. As international environmental regulation begin to tighten, there is a need for international trading of carbon credits. System described herein provides a computer-implemented mechanism to allow easy trading of carbon credits, real-time big data feed on carbon emission and reduction, as well as adoption of alternative farming practices that sidesteps ractopamine and other antibiotics.

[0073] The above-described features and applications can be implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer readable storage medium (also referred to as computer readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing unit( s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they cause the processing unit( s) to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The computer readable media does not include carrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wired connections.

[0074] In this specification, the term “software” is meant to include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage or flash storage, for example, a solid-state drive, which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple software technologies can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program while remaining distinct software technologies. In some implementations, multiple software technologies can also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement a software technology described here is within the scope of the subject technology. In some implementations, the software programs, when installed to operate on one or more electronic systems, define one or more specific machine implementations that execute and perform the operations of the software programs.

[0075] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0076] These functions described above can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks.

[0077] Some implementations include electronic components, for example microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD- ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/ rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, etc ), flash memory (e g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-Ray ® discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations.

[0078] While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, for example application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. [0079] As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms display or displaying means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals.

[0080] To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0081] The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“ LAN”) and a wide area network (“ WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0082] The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some aspects of the disclosed subject matter, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.

[0083] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated steps be performed. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components illustrated above should not be understood as requiring such separation, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0084] Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, where reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the subject technology. [0085] A phrase, for example, an “aspect” does not imply that the aspect is essential to the subject technology or that the aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase, for example, an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase, for example, a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A phrase, for example, a configuration may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.